PTS Bi-Weekly Blog

Connect. Transform. Empower.

​According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, in 2017 there were 553,742 people that experienced homelessness in the United States. Despite the many complexities that contribute to homelessness, there are many misconceptions about the homeless population. Let’s look at some misconceptions about homelessness and ways that Positive Transition Services, Inc. is helping to dispel those misconceptions.

​MYTH 1: The Homeless are lazyAlthough unemployment rates have declined, there are many people that are employed but still experience homelessness due to their income falling under the national poverty threshold.

MYTH 2: The Homeless are mentally illResearchers have found that mental illness and homelessness are connected, but only 16% of all homeless people suffer from mental illness in the United States.

MYTH 3: The Homeless are addictsIt is true that there is a relationship between addiction and homelessness. However, according to a report published by the National Coalition for the Homeless (July 2009), substance abuse is the result of homelessness and not the cause.

MYTH 4: There are many resources for the homelessDue to an increase in homeless assistance programs and initiatives, a decrease in homelessness has been reported throughout the nation. However, there are areas throughout the nation that lack resources to meet the needs of all people that are experiencing homelessness.

Taking ActionAt Positive Transition Services, Inc., our primary goal is to end homelessness. We are an approved Re-engineering Rapid Rehousing provider and we offer many comprehensive services that give people experiencing homelessness the best opportunity of getting off the streets and remaining off the streets. Our services include: Employment Placement, Transitional and Permanent Housing, Behavioral/ Mental Health Services and so much more.

If you or someone you know are at-risk of being homeless or are currently experiencing homelessness, please contact us at 678-298-6140.

​ For over 50 years school systems have relied heavily on traditional teaching methods, where teachers acted as gatekeepers of knowledge and students were simply bystanders. Students were required to fit perfectly inside a box and those who failed to fit were labeled and ostracized. However, research has proven that traditional teaching methods aren’t effective and many have adopted student-centered instruction that is student focused and student lead.

​Student-Centered Learning in the Community​

Student-centered learning is not only a concept that can be applied in the classroom. It is also a concept that can be applied in the community (similar to Person-Centered Therapy, which focuses on personal growth and change). Just think about it—we are all students of life and require redirecting, retesting, and sometimes remedial courses at various stages in our lives. However, if we applied the student-centered approach to servicing the underserved in our community, it will inevitably transform how we think about the underserved and help us to individualize a plan of action when assisting them. This, in turn, would flip our preconceived notions of the underserved, force us to meet people where they are and require us to create programs and services based on individual needs.

The important thing that we must remember is that we are ALL students of life and may require individualized support at various stages. Here at PTS, Inc., it is our goal to create an inclusive community for all. From providing housing and transportation assistance to spearheading advocacy initiatives, PTS, Inc. supports the underserved by providing individualized services uniquely curtailed to client’s needs.

PTS is always in need of dedicated, kind people just like you to help us further our mission. Sign-up now to enjoy the great benefits of volunteering with PTS. All volunteers are automatically eligible for assistance from our PTS Gives Back Program. Click here to volunteer!

​Does the absence of proximity and familiarity negate the power of community? With the rise of social media platforms, how we once defined community has now advanced to encompass more than just our close family and neighbors. The definition of community has now adapted to encompass members of a Facebook group, Instagram followers, YouTube subscribers and much more. Advances, such as these, have arguably made it easier than ever for communities to communicate and share ideas—whether near or far; however, the power of community remains, regardless of how we now define it.

The Power to Connect

Community has the power to connect people who share common interests. It provides them the opportunity to learn more about themselves as well as others. Communities connect people with support systems which help them to navigate through the high and lows of life.

​Transforming Lives

Community significantly transforms lives. It encourages growth and personal development and has the power to unleash hidden potential. It creates an atmosphere of accountability and brotherhood.

Empowering Each Other for Greatness

We are stronger when we stand together! Community equips people with confidence. It transcends loneliness and empowers others to stand firmly on who they are and what they believe.

Does the absence of proximity and familiarity negate the power of community? The answer is no. We all need community. We all yearn for community, no matter how far away we are. It is our hope that you join Positive Transition Services, Inc. as we continue to connect, transform and empower OUR community.

If you are interested in learning more about the mission of Positive Transition Services, Inc. and how you can help make a difference in the lives of thousands of people in Atlanta, sign-up to Volunteer Today!

Author

Tiffany Thomas is a content writer for PTS. She is a Georgia Peach with a passion for helping others. She obtained both a Bachelor degree in Psychology and a Master degree in Education from Georgia State University.